Dan Bailey14 February 2018

Mindset After Not Making It To The CrossFit Games, Current Training Methodology and Why Josh Bridges Is So Dangerous - Dan Bailey - #004

0Frameworks

6Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take07:30

Why Josh Bridges Is the Hardest to Kill

When asked who among CrossFit athletes would be the hardest to survive in a life-or-death scenario, Dan Bailey immediately names Josh Bridges due to his military background and combat skills.

Josh Bridges is a former Navy SEAL, giving him real combat experience.
Dan considers him a 'stone-cold killer' and the most dangerous in a survival situation.
He jokes that Bridges would never lose that edge, even after retirement.

“Josh Bridges for sure. He's a time in the military so he's got a particular skill there that most people don't have.”
Dan Bailey · 07:30

#josh-bridges#military#crossfit#survival

Explainer· 1

Explainer01:00

How Dan Bailey's Training Has Changed Over the Years

Dan Bailey explains how his CrossFit training has evolved from high-volume, general workouts to more focused, high-quality sessions tailored to competition demands. He now prioritizes intensity and simulation of actual event conditions over sheer volume.

Early in his career, he focused on high-volume training to build skills and endurance.
Now he reduces volume during key periods and emphasizes workout quality and intensity.
He trains specifically for the structure of regional and Games events (e.g., 2–3 workouts over three days).
This shift came with experience and a better understanding of competitive demands.

“I've kind of dropped off a little bit in specific times of the year and focused more on the quality, getting in more intensity, getting…”
Dan Bailey · 01:30

#crossfit#training-methodology#fitness-evolution#workout-intensity

Story· 2

Story04:00

Dealing With Failure: Dan's Mindset After Missing the CrossFit Games

Dan reflects on the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2016 CrossFit Games, describing it as his most difficult setback. He shares how he processed the loss by focusing on reality, accepting that others earned their spots, and committing to improve.

2016 was the most disappointing year for him due to not qualifying.
He allowed himself a short period to grieve but then moved on quickly.
He emphasizes accepting reality: others performed better and deserved to advance.
He reminds himself of his past accomplishments and long-term identity beyond one event.

“That was the worst... I had my two-week pity party or whatever, and then I said okay, get over it. You didn't make it. It's…”
Dan Bailey · 04:00

#mental-resilience#failure#mindset#crossfit

Story05:30

Why Dan Bailey Is Proud of Ohio

Dan talks about his deep connection to Ohio, a state often overlooked or mocked, and how he and his friends embrace its underdog identity. He highlights loyalty to local sports teams despite their struggles.

He grew up in Ohio and is proud of its culture and work ethic.
His friend group has a motto: 'Everything's earned in Ohio'.
They passionately support Cleveland teams despite poor records.
He mentions the idea of creating a coffee table book on Cleveland sports fandom.

“We're big on Ohio sports... Cleveland is not known for being very good at any of those things, but we're still gonna root for you.”
Dan Bailey · 06:15

#ohio#sports-fandom#underdog#community

Q&A· 1

Q&A07:50

Dan Bailey's Answer to the Duck vs. Horses Dilemma

In a lighthearted final question, Dan chooses to fight 20 duck-sized horses over one horse-sized duck, reasoning that multiple small threats are easier to handle than one massive, unpredictable one.

He picks 20 duck-sized horses as the less dangerous option.
He believes he could outlast multiple small opponents.
Implies the horse-sized duck would be too powerful and chaotic.

“The 20 duck-sized horses. Okay, even a moment? You're gonna Imam the horses. The no four time the time. They're just more. Just gonna go…”
Dan Bailey · 08:00

#fun-qa#hypothetical#humor

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway05:00

What Dan Bailey Wants to Be Remembered For

Dan shares that while being the 'fittest man on earth' is a goal, he doesn't want that to be his only legacy. He values character, resilience, and impact beyond athletic performance.

He doesn't want his gravestone to only say 'fittest man on earth'.
He sees that as a potential failure if it's all he's known for.
He values personal growth, relationships, and contributions outside competition.

“If I die and all that's on my gravestone is 'here lies the fittest man on earth'... I'd look at that as more of a…”
Dan Bailey · 05:10

#legacy#purpose#mindset#values